A solemn cortege greeted the coffin of King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV as it arrived at Entebbe airport, where President Yoweri Museveni joined mourners to honour the 34‑year‑old monarch who had died in the United States after treatment for an aggressive cancer.
The king’s body will be transferred by military helicopter to Kyegegwa and then driven to the Karuziika Palace in Fort Portal, where it will lie in state for a nine‑day official mourning period.
Flags will fly at half‑mast for three days and a burial is scheduled for the following Saturday, the day the king had hoped to mark the anniversary of his coronation.
Parliament convened a special tribute, with Museveni laying a wreath on the coffin and Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja describing the king as a “symbol of unity”.
Opposition leader Patrick Nsamba Oshabe praised the monarch’s blend of heritage and development, while other MPs highlighted his advocacy for education, health and HIV/AIDS awareness.
The succession has become contentious. Tooro Kingdom Prime Minister Calvin Armstrong Rwomiire Akiiki said the late king had a young son, whose identity would be disclosed in accordance with tradition, but Charles Kamurasi, head of the Babiito royal clan that selects the monarch, denied knowledge of any such heir.
A clan member, quoted by New Vision, questioned why senior relatives were unaware of the child, accusing the prime minister of overstepping cultural protocol.
Culture Minister Henry Tumukunde urged Ugandans to rely on official information and to refrain from speculation on social media, stressing that any dispute would be resolved under the law governing traditional and cultural leaders.
Before the burial, a church service will be held, after which the king will be carried in a traditional procession to the Karambi Royal Tombs.
According to Tooro custom, the interment will take place before evening, with the ceremony expected to conclude by 14:00 local time.
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